1. The list in brief
2. Best overall
3. Best budget
4. Best for laptops
5. Best for dual monitors
6. Best for small spaces
7. Best for Mac
8. FAQs
9. How to choose
10. How we test
Getting rid of your old office desk can be a hassle, so why not breathe new life into it with one of the best standing desk converters? These ingenious devices allow you to continue using any of the best standing desks or traditional desks in a new way.
That's important as sitting at a desk all day has been proven to affect your health negatively. So why not upgrade your home workspace and become more active, alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day?
Many standing desk converters have unique features that help you organize your workspace and be more productive. For instance, some come with containers for pens, notepads, and other business accessories, while most feature a keyboard tray for improved ergonomics. We look at all of these areas and more in our reviews.
So, whether you’re looking to improve your home office setup or a gadget to improve your productivity, keep reading to discover six of the best standing desk converters available today. You're sure to find the perfect one with budget-friendly options and more premium ones with additional features.
The quick list
Looking for a quick rundown of the best standing desk converters? Check out our top picks below, and for more in-depth reviews or to compare prices, click on each one.
Best overall
The VariDesk Pro Plus 3 arrives fully assembled. However, what sets this standing desk converter apart from the competition is that it features a weighted base for extra stability, thicker gauge steel, and a durable 3D laminate finish.
Best on a budget
The VIVO Height Adjustable 32in Desk Converter allows you to raise this from a base height of 4.4” up to 19.6”. It can hold a maximum of 33lb (14.9kg), while the keyboard tray can hold up to 4.4lb (1.99kg).
Best for a laptop setup
The EM7 Motorized AlcoveRiser from Flexispot is a Standing Desk converter that can turn any standard table or desk into a two-tiered standing desk.
Best for dual monitors
The Mount-It! Standing Desk Converter is another relatively inexpensive option. If you use multiple monitors, you’re good to go as it comes with a free, detachable dual monitor mount that fits screens up to 27in.
Best for small spaces
The WorkFit-Z Mini features a cut-out at the front of its desktop can hold both a smartphone and a smaller tablet. The keyboard tray has holes at either end for neatly running cables.
Best for Macs
The Moft Sit-Stand Laptop desk is a feat of origami craftsmanship. If has the ability to hold your MacBook at standing height without any additional pieces, but can fold away to almost nothing to be slipped into your bag.
The best standing desk converter 2023
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Best standing desk converter overall
✅ You want a smooth workspace: VariDesk Pro Plus' worktop is sleek and smooth, made from a laminate finish that is durable and elegant.
✅ You're looking for a large workspace: The 36-inch wide size for this standing desk converter is great, not too wide or narrow, allowing plenty of workspace for most desks without being too much.
✅ You want a great, multi-functional lower level: Some standing desk converters have merely a narrow tray for their lower level. The ProPlus series has a cutaway, giving enough space for extra accessories if wanted on the bottom.
❌ You have a tight space behind your office chair: Because the Pro Plus extends out towards us as we raise it up, it also cuts into our workspace. This will be difficult but not impossible for tight workspaces or cubicles. This is fixed, however, with the new Pro Plus 36 Electric model!
❌ You want to be able to raise/lower with one hand: The Pro Plus 36 has two handles, one on each side, that need to be pulled to change the height. Usually, this is no problem, but if you want to change the height with one hand for any reason, that may be a problem. Again, this has been fixed with the new Pro Plus 36 Electric model.
❌ You need a high lifting weight: While using it for actual desk purposes, we have yet to run into any issues with the weight on this desk while standing. However, we have been able to make it fall or almost fall when we added a bit more to the desktop as the design moves the desktop out and away from the base at an extended height. Yet again, this is resolved with the electric model, granting over 10 more pounds of weight allowance.
↕️ The VariDesk Pro Plus 36 Standing Desk Converter is a fantastic choice for those looking to add the ability to stand to their stationary desk. Check out the electric Pro Plus 36 model for those wanting to spend more. For those who want to keep things simple, try the manual model. All in all, this is a great standing desk converter for most individuals in the market for a converter. ★★★★½
What you need to know
The VariDesk Pro Plus 36 from Vari is a standing desk converter with two models, a manual and an electric. Both models have a great-sized workspace, a smooth desktop, and a generously sized keyboard and mouse tray large enough to house a laptop, notebook, or other accessories. This converter comes almost entirely assembled in the box. All we needed to do was add the keyboard tray, and we were good to go. Vari also offers monitor arms that can get your displays off your desktop and out of the way. We were quite impressed with these arms overall, and we think they are a great addition to an impressive standing desk converter
Design and Build Quality: This desktop converter is made with high quality materials that keep this desk looking great even with medium to heavy use. At the lowest position, this workspace is remarkably stable. The desktop is clean and minimal, while remaining durable and looking brand new even after regular use. While lifting, there is a slight wobble, though this is nothing unexpected.
Performance: While using this standing desk converter, we found that this was a great all around standing desk converter, working well for a laptop setup, an iMac setup, a multi-monitor setup, or just about anything in-between. The two-tiered design is great to help give some dimension and separation between screens and a keyboard or a laptop and a notebook. The manual version of this desk requires two hands to be able to squeeze the triggers to change heights to the 11 pre-determined locking positions. The electric model, in comparison, can stop anywhere in it's height range and can be operated with a single press of a button. Though, there are no presets like what can be expected from many of those listed in our guide to the best standing desk.
Features: The standout feature of this standing desk is the great sized lower tray. As mentioned previously, some standing desk converters lack in the lower shelf space that is available for use. This one by design can fit a laptop, give some room for a notebook or some documents, or other accessories to help do your job well. But, perhaps most of all, this desk feels like a good size when using it, and you don't feel like you are compromising or over compensating with a converter that is too large or too small.
Value for money: The VariDesk Pro Plus is a decent value for its price. We wouldn't have it currently slated for the #1 spot if this were not the case. The stability and no-nonsense workspace without a plethora of bells and whistles to distract you from work make this an overall great value for the dollars spent. For roughly a $50 difference (depending on sales) you can upgrade and get the electric version we have mentioned, which is another fantastic Standing Desk converter, albeit not as simple as this manual version.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Well priced, and Vari frequently has a sale on their site | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Overall a great design, one that the electric model near perfects | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | The performance has been great, and we have had no major issues | ★★★★☆ |
| Feature | The size of the lower level tray is fantastic | ★★★★★ |
Best budget standing desk converter
✅ You want an easy-to-set-up desk converter: This desk converter is pretty much ready to go out of the box. There is only minor assembly required to set up this converter
✅ You want a wide keyboard tray: This keyboard tray is wide enough for a full-size keyboard with numpad, room for a mouse to work comfortably and some room to spare.
✅ You want a budget-friendly option: At the time of writing this, you can pick one of these up for $120.
❌ You have a tight space: While there are smaller options available from Vivo's website, this model is a fairly decent size, probably too large for the average cubicle but not bad for a standalone desk
❌ You need an electric standing desk converter: This desk does not have an electric motor, just the manual ability to raise and lower assisted by a pneumatic spring.
❌ You need built-in cable management: Vivo is kind enough to send along some cable ties and some adhesives, however there is no good way to hide cables coming off of the desktop unless you purchase something third-party.
↕️ The Vivo 32-inch Standing Desk Converter is a great choice for anyone looking for a great standing desk converter without breaking the bank. It's got great workspace size, quality build, and all for a great price. ★★★★
What you need to know
Looking for an affordable way to join the standing desk movement? The Vivo 32-inch standing desk converter could be the solution you need. It offers a generous work surface that can accommodate various workflows, from multiple screens to creative projects. Plus, it doesn't require a significant investment or a complete workspace overhaul.
Design and Build Quality: The standing desk converter boasts a sturdy and durable base, which is impressive considering its lower price point. This base ensures a stable workspace, providing a great working experience even at maximum height. Further, the materials used in this converter are high quality, and it feels like they will last for a long time.
Performance: The converter's height adjustment is incredibly smooth and seamless. When adjusting the height, there's no need to worry about accidentally spilling a drink or a monitor falling off the back of the desk. This smooth height adjustment is also very nice when changing heights throughout the day.
Features: This standing desk converter generally has no standout features, which is perfectly acceptable. Considering it is a low-cost option, we anticipate it to be basic. This standing desk converter functions effectively despite its simplicity, especially given its price point. While this standing desk converter has no accessories, Vivo has many accessories that can be purchased alongside any standing desk converter purchase.
Value for money: The Vivo 32-inch standing desk converter offers a great affordable option to get into the world of standing desk converters without spending much cash. The quality is great, the materials feel high-end, and this feels like something we could use for years without diminishing experiences.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Great value for the price | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Simple and minimalist design overall | ★★★★☆ |
| Performance | Consistent performance throughout | ★★★★★ |
| Feature | No flagship features, but rather a simple design | ★★★★☆ |
Best standing desk converter for laptop setups
✅ You have a fairly heavy desk setup: This model can lift up to 44lb of gear without any issues, and the keyboard tray has an 11lb capacity. This means that you can lift most setups you can fit on this converter.
✅ You have a laptop or tablet in your setup: We love the keyboard tray that this standing desk converter has because we can use it for so much more, like holding an iPad or tablet within our workspace perfectly within reach.
✅ You want a no-nonsense standing desk converter: Flexispot's EM7 converter is straightforward and efficient, with no unnecessary complications or issues. It simply does what it is supposed to do.
❌ You want additional accessories: As we briefly mentioned above, this standing desk converter is bare-bones and simple. Personally, we like that we won't have to fiddle with gadgets we may or may not want. We can add if we want, or we can get straight to work.
❌ You need a standing desk converter with presets: Unlike the similarly named Flexispot E7 Pro standing desk, this converter has no height presets, meaning you have to hold the button to raise or lower to your desired height.
❌ You want the workspace to come forward off of the desk: Some people prefer having their standing desk converter rise and come towards them so that their legs are not so close to the stationary desktop. If that's you, you'll be disappointed when this converter lifts straight up off the desk.
↕️ The Flexispot EM7 Standing Desk Converter is a wonderfully simplistic option for a standing desk converter from a fantastic company. What it offers is reliable usage, a good lifting capacity, and longevity thanks to great build quality and craftsmanship from Flexispot ★★★★½
What you need to know
Flexispot's high-quality standing desk converter, badged the EM7 gives us the same reliability we have learned to expect from Flexispot. The converter is simple yet high-end, has little to no features yet works really well, and has simple user interactions to help make this product more than just another gadget on your desk. This desk converter is meant to get some work done. We love that the keyboard tray is deep and sturdy enough to easily use it to hold an iPad in a folio or our laptop and plug it into a business monitor. Last but not least, we can quickly detach the keyboard tray with a simple leaver leaving us with a little cutout and still a large workspace. Most other converters choose to bolt their keyboard trays in, making this a much more tedious process. But with Flexispot, the tray can pop out in mere seconds.
Design and Build Quality: The overall quality of this standing desk converter is quite impressive. The workspace, even at maximum extension (the most extreme height), is quite sturdy thanks to the vertical lift and rigid design. The table top is firm but not sharp or too hard, and the materials feel like they can last for quite a while without any issues.
Performance: No matter how many times we remove the keyboard tray, raise or lower the workspace or how many monitors we manage to fit on the top portion, this standing desk still works great, just like it did on day one. Granted, if we surpass the 44lb limit, things may change. Still, so far, we have tried laptop setups, two monitor setups, an iMac and monitor setup, and even several heavy books setups, and so far, there have been zero issues.
Features: The best feature of this standing desk converter is that the keyboard tray can be removed quickly and easily without much effort. This allows for a modular workspace, almost giving you four formats for work. There are four different settings for the desk: resting height with the keyboard tray, lowest height without the keyboard tray, standing height with the keyboard tray, and standing height without the keyboard tray.
Value for money: This converter is a great solution for just about anyone, thanks to its remarkably low price. The quality that comes with this standing desk converter is quite high, especially for the money, and even if the price were higher, it would be worth the price.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Great low price, high value for money | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Simple and streamlined design | ★★★★☆ |
| Performance | Consistent performance overtime without issues | ★★★★★ |
| Feature | The easily removable keyboard tray is very helpful | ★★★★★ |
Best standing desk converter for dual monitor setups
The Mount-It! Standing Desk Converter is another relatively inexpensive option with a fantastic freebie thrown in. If you use multiple monitors, you’re good to go as Mount-It! decided to ship this standing desk converter with a free dual monitor mount that fits screens up to 27” included. However, it’s also detachable if you want to use it with a single monitor or laptop.
A gas spring lever allows you to adjust this standing desk converter to your preferred height and features eight different height settings. The Mount-It! Standing Desk Converter has a minimum height of 6.25” and a maximum height of 16.5” and can support up to 33lb (14.9kg). Like the Ergotron WorkFit Z Mini, there is also a phone/tablet holder on its desktop, but unlike the best standing desk converter candidates on this list, its keyboard tray is raised at the back, so your devices don’t slide off while in use.
Best standing desk converter for small spaces
✅ You have a small workspace to fit in: As alluded to in the name, the Ergotron WorkFit-Z Mini is a small workstation. For cubicles or smaller areas you are trying to maximize, this converter is perfect.
✅ You want a place to put your smartphone or tablet: This model has a great little slot for holding a smartphone or tablet without being too obtrusive or clunky.
✅ You like the look of woodgrain finish: Most standing desk converters are in basic black and plain colors. This one has a beautiful light grey woodgrain finish that is sure to stand out.
❌ You need cable management: The back of this unit has no cable management of any kind, not a problem if you're prepared for that, but if you were expecting a nice place to tuck cables, you'll be disappointed.
❌ You want options for the desktop finish: While this desk does have the unique finish of the grey wood top, that is also the only color that it comes in, not even white or black.
❌ You need a good size workspace: By design, this is a small workstation. If you are in need of something larger, check out the rest of this list, or check out Ergoton's website for more on their standing desk converters.
↕️ The Ergotron WorkFit-Z Mini Standing Desk Converter is Ergotron's best small surface standing desk converter, perfect for a cubicle or small desk where you need some dimension and health benefits. ★★★★
What you need to know
Ergotron's WorkFit-Z Mini, Standing Desk Workstation is Ergotron's smallest form factor, designed intentionally for small spaces. Further, Ergotron designed the desktop color to match modern workspaces well. This desk has no electronic motor, though moving this riser up and down is not a burden, thanks to the spring design. This desk converter also has a great slot in the front of the top level to hold your smartphone, tablet, book, or the like.
Design and Build Quality: The WorkFit-Z Mini is well-built and quite sturdy. While staying small, the design allows maximum space usage, making it work for a standard setup without a problem. This desk converter would be great for a laptop setup, a tablet setup, an All-in-One computer, or even a single monitor. Much more than that, and this workstation would feel instantly cluttered. The cutaway designed for a mobile phone or tablet is also quite useful. This gives a secure dropping place for any handheld or smaller devices without trying to have them take up space horizontally on the small workstation.
Performance: Even with its small size, the WorkFit-Z Mini can still lift 25lb and raise up to 12.5 inches. One great thing about this standing desk converter is that there are not several preset heights like we frequently see on manual converters. Instead, this one can stop from the lowest to the highest, making finding the perfect height much more achievable.
Features: One fantastic yet minor feature of this standing desk converter is that Ergotron has cable passthrough holes in the back of the solid wall between the top deck and the keyboard tray. Some converters have a solid tray wall, and some have no separation whatsoever, but we appreciate that Ergotron put a few holes designed for cables to reach the keyboard and mouse or for chargers, etc.
Value for money: The WorkFit - Z Mini is priced well for what it can do. While it is not the cheapest model, it sits comfortably in the middle range in price. While small, it is built well, sturdy, and from a quality company.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Well priced overall for what it is | ★★★★☆ |
| Design | Sleek compact and functional design | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Works like it should, without problems | ★★★★★ |
| Feature | Has a great gadget slot for holding gear while working | ★★★★☆ |
Best standing desk converter for Macs
The Moft Sit-Stand Laptop desk is a truly impressive feat of origami craftsmanship. This is the perfect companion to bring with you and your laptop to the coffee shop, work, a meeting, or just about anywhere. The Laptop Desk folds to almost nothing, making it fit perfectly into most of the best laptop bags.
What makes this laptop stand the most impressive is the ability to hold your MacBook at standing height without any additional pieces. This allows the camera to be raised to a perfect meeting height, a great standing desk height, or even just a slightly elevated angle for an ideal typing experience.
We will update this review once we've had more hands-on experience with the Moft Sit-Stand laptop desk.
How to choose the best standing desk converter for you
Here are a few key areas you should consider when deciding on the best standing desk converter for you:
How much space do you have? Desks come in all shapes and sizes, so you'll need to find a standing desk converter that fits on your current desk.
Do you have a dual monitor setup? If so, you'll need to find a standing desk converter that can support the weight of two monitors and provide a suitable mounting option.
Manual or electric? Do you want an electric motor to help you raise and lower your standing desk converter, or are you happy to save money and do the heavy lifting yourself?
Best Standing Desk Converters: FAQs
Why choose a standing desk converter over a standing desk?
If you’re considering spending a significant sum (although there are great budget options out there) on a standing desk converter, you may be wondering if you should just upgrade to a standing desk instead, and for a good reason. However, not everyone is in the position to do so for several reasons.
Standing desks are significantly more expensive than standing desk converters, as some can be had for just over a hundred dollars. At the same time, standing desks can take up a lot of space, especially if you’re currently in a small apartment or a cramped dorm room. University students are also in a unique position since most colleges don’t allow you to change the furniture in your dorm room. The same concept applies to employees who work in offices that want to give work while standing a chance but can’t swap out their existing desk for a new one without first getting the necessary approval from HR. With a standing desk converter, you can upgrade your existing desk with little to no fuss. They’re also compact enough that you could even throw a standing desk converter in your car and bring it with you wherever you go.
The recent transition to remote work left many people without a dedicated home office, using their kitchen tables or other places around their homes to work. Even if you’re still using your kitchen table, a standing desk converter will make it feel like an actual desk with the added bonus of extra space for your files, coffee, and anything else you may need while working.
If you do decide to upgrade to a full-standing desk, later on, you can always sell your standing desk converter online or even give it to a friend or colleague that’s also interested in being more active throughout their workday.
How we test the best standing desk converters
We've tested a range of office and home office accessories and furniture, including the best office chairs and the best standing desk mats. We rigorously test, review, and rate each of these, comparing them to similar products to ensure quality products and value for money.
When rounding up our picks for the best standing desk converter, we first looked at brands like Vari, UPLIFT Desk, Flexispot, and Ergotron because we reviewed standing desks from each company in the past.
From here, we included budget options from Mount-It and VIVO for those looking to try a standing desk converter without breaking the bank. We also considered users who want to have the best dual monitor setups and those who want to use a standing desk converter to help organize their office or home workspace.
We compared the specifications listed for each model and looked at user reviews to get an insight into how easy the desk converters are to use daily.
There’s something for everyone here, but we also plan to update this guide with new models for additional use cases going forward.
